iSanook Residence

iSanook Residence is a brand new residence in Bangkok which exceeds boundaries, offering both short and long term stays. Sanook means “Fun” in Thai. Even though they are registered with Backpacker’s Network and might be called a hostel, I don’t see this place as a hostel. It’s too good to be called a hostel! Perhaps, you may still call it hostel since this place lets you mingle around with others easily. If it is categorised under hostel, this would be the best hostel in Bangkok or you can even call it Super / Mega / Upsized hostel. Simply because hostels usually have shared rooms and toilets, but here at iSanook, everything is private!

iSanook even has facilities which are better than 3 star hotels (swimming pool, gym, rooftop jacuzzi, rooftop space for suntanning, entertainment room, pantry, meeting room, laundry room, etc.). I would like to call this a Residence / Apartment. This place gives me a feeling of “Home”. It doesn’t come with the glamour of 5 star hotels, you don’t exactly feel luxurious, but most importantly, you feel comfortable, at ease and happy. Perhaps this is contributed by the fact that iSanook is brand new!

Located along Si Phraya Road in Soi Songphra, the nearest MRT – Sam Yan is about 10 mins walk from iSanook. Shopping – Silom & Siam and Street Food – Yaowarat & Rama 4 are nearby. In fact, iSanook is in the midst of all these places. Being located outside the city centre means iSanook is able to provide more reasonable prices.

Do check out my tip of getting to iSanook Residence below. It will definitely be helpful as this place is brand new and not many taxi drivers know of iSanook yet.

A modern and cozy lobby for you to relax while waiting to be checked in. After checking in, you will be escorted to your room where you will be briefed on the facilities of the residence as well as the usage of electronics (air conditioning and Cable TV) in the room. Wow, even 3 star hotels do not provide such service!

Rooms

Rooms come in 3 themes – River, Road, Rail. Over here, I will be featuring the rooms offered for short term stays:

iSanook Studio

This is a big room with lots of space for you to move around, suitable for 2 or 3 pax.

My sleep here was very comfortable. Beds here are not too soft or not too hard, providing a good support for your back. Pillows provided are the soft type. With this combination, I fell asleep upon lying on it.

The sofa bed can also be used as a bed for the 3rd pax.

Safebox is also provided for you to keep all your valuables.

The toilet is well equipped. Even though there is no rain shower, this shower head is very powerful and it offers several mode which includes Rain Shower. It’s good enough!

For iSanook Residence, the washing basin is outside the toilet, perhaps for the convenience since this room is catered to 2 to 3 pax. The refrigerator is huge! You can store several days of supplies inside.

Eco Studio

The basic room at iSanook, Eco Studio. Suited for 1 to 2 pax who just want a simple room.

The toilet at Eco Studio comes with basin, due to the space constraint. Having said that, this room does not feel very small and in fact is actually just nice.

Facilities provided at iSanook is simply amazing!

The view of the garden leading to the pool area.

The swimming pool and resting area.

You can even do your laundry at iSanook for just THB$40. If you are lazy and want to have your laundry done by the team at iSanook, it will be a different price altogether.

The restaurant on Level 6 Rooftop.

This walkway between buildings leads you to…

Jacuzzi

and Suntanning area. If you want to suntan, do proceed here instead of the swimming pool.

A well equipped gymnasium.

Pantry – You can even do your cooking here.

They even have meeting rooms!

And last but not least, this complimentary Tuk Tuk brings you to the nearest MRT – Sam Yan or BTS – Sala Daeng. Operational till 5pm only and subject to changes.

+ Like

Brand new rooms and facilities with the always smiling and friendly staff making the environment so homely.

– Dislike

As this place very new, taxi drivers do not really know of this place. If you have difficulty locating iSanook, please call them and the staff will gladly assist.

= Conclusion

My stay here indeed was fun (Sanook). I got to enjoy all the facilities (i.e. suntan, swim, laundry, etc) at a low price in a brand new residence. Free WIFI was provided and I was able to connect all my devices to it. At established hotels, you can only login 1 device, which in fact is insufficient when we have laptops, iPads, mobile phones. The friendly staff made me feel welcomed too! You may want to check out and experience this place while the price stays low.

Option 1: Taxi
The most convenient way to get here. My preferred way of getting to iSanook: From Rama 4 Road, turn into Soi Phra Nakharet. It will lead to Si Phraya Road. On seeing 7 Eleven and Caltex Petrol Station, turn left to Soi Songphra.

AroiMakMak.com is the brainchild of Wilbur Suen. He is based in Singapore but loves Bangkok so much that he keeps returning. He loves travelling, eating, technology and has high standards for them. In his free time, he will be sourcing for new places to visit so that he can document and share. Try to catch him in Bangkok eating local dishes, enjoying aromatherapy spa or chilling at a rooftop bar.